Fob programming
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,772
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From: Maryland
Fob programming
So one of my fobs is lost. Wife says, she did not misplace it, but it is 'her' key. Mine is on the rack or in my pocket. So.... I found a place to get new OEM fobs matching my 2024; I bought 2. I cannot program them myself since I only have one key. I've called 3 locksmiths and they all say their software does not let them program anything beyond 2022.
Anyone have luck getting someone other than the dealer to program a fob? I'm in the Baltimore area in case you are local and found one.
I'm thinking of only getting one done and then programming the other one myself, so I have three. I'm hoping to buy a faraday bag and store the extra key in the truck for emergencies. I can still get in via the keypad.
Anyone have luck getting someone other than the dealer to program a fob? I'm in the Baltimore area in case you are local and found one.
I'm thinking of only getting one done and then programming the other one myself, so I have three. I'm hoping to buy a faraday bag and store the extra key in the truck for emergencies. I can still get in via the keypad.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 44
Likes: 29
Here is my brief story. I have a '26 and wanted a 3rd key to put in faraday pouch like you for emergencies. I bought a fob online and the seller told me emphatically that the only way to program it was by a dealer doing it. Once I received the key, I tried repeatedly to use the owners manual instructions (using 2 original fobs) to add the key and only had failure. My local dealer wanted $250 to program it. A local locksmith said he had the software to do it, but wanted $300. Finally, I found another dealer that did it for $100. So this is just a warning that your plan to pay for one and try one yourself might not succeed. I do hope it does work for you.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 95
Likes: 37
I had it done locally (middle GA). Cut the key and programmed it. I can't speak to anything they have to do with it. Pretty sure it requires a full-license Forscan. Be advised that you can get a functional key for pretty cheap (less than the cost to program/cut, but they won't be perfect. Lock and unlock work fine with the 2 I got programmed. Remote start....completely random. Cannot figure out how to replicate. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it just keeps beeping the lock.
Locksmiths can easily do it--if they have the licenses to do it. Not all will.
Locksmiths can easily do it--if they have the licenses to do it. Not all will.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,772
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
It is frustrating for sure.
I have a 2006 Jeep unlimited (the long 2 door before the 4 doors came out). They had a security module in most models that required a chip key to start the Jeep. You could only get these from the dealer. Well, I have one of the few without the SKIMM key. I can get a key cut like the old days. My son drive it for a while and naturally lost a key as teenagers sometimes to. I went to get a "Jeep" engraved key at the dealership and at first the parts guy was telling me I cannot purchase a regular key. He refused to sell it to me. I had my title just in case this happened. I pulled it out and he looked up the vin. He was like "This is the first time I've seen one that does not need a SKIMM key!" I know guys who simply tape the one Skim key they have to the module in the steering column and just use a regular key to avoid the problem.
I'm working on a possible 'in' at a dealership to help. I've scoured the house for that second key. Checked the washing machine, jackets, under the sofa cushions and the sofa. I even looked all over my shop bench and toolbox with zero luck. I do know that once these two new keys are programmed, I am going to find it. lol. I'll hide that one in the gun safe. lol lol
I have a 2006 Jeep unlimited (the long 2 door before the 4 doors came out). They had a security module in most models that required a chip key to start the Jeep. You could only get these from the dealer. Well, I have one of the few without the SKIMM key. I can get a key cut like the old days. My son drive it for a while and naturally lost a key as teenagers sometimes to. I went to get a "Jeep" engraved key at the dealership and at first the parts guy was telling me I cannot purchase a regular key. He refused to sell it to me. I had my title just in case this happened. I pulled it out and he looked up the vin. He was like "This is the first time I've seen one that does not need a SKIMM key!" I know guys who simply tape the one Skim key they have to the module in the steering column and just use a regular key to avoid the problem.
I'm working on a possible 'in' at a dealership to help. I've scoured the house for that second key. Checked the washing machine, jackets, under the sofa cushions and the sofa. I even looked all over my shop bench and toolbox with zero luck. I do know that once these two new keys are programmed, I am going to find it. lol. I'll hide that one in the gun safe. lol lol
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,957
Likes: 1,362
From: NY/Canada border
It's a shot in the dark but worth a try. I had a local Ace Hardware store program a fob for me on a GM product once. They had a device that they plugged into the OBD port to do it.
But I'd guess that the technology they had is outdated by now.
But I'd guess that the technology they had is outdated by now.
Last edited by Poncho450; Jun 16, 2026 at 06:17 AM.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Maryland
I'll wait to hear from my contact about getting them programmed at a dealership.
Last edited by JeepPuller; Jun 16, 2026 at 07:28 AM.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 95
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Similar issue with SmartCode. Need the master code, and I didn't have. Locksmith was kind enough to tell me what it was, while they were doing my FOB's.
Last edited by StockHeightIsBest; Jun 16, 2026 at 01:37 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: NY/Canada border
Yup. I think I did this on a couple of Town Cars I had.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 242
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Check all your wife’s coat pockets. Years ago my wife’s fob to her car came up missing. Looked and looked and looked, no where to be found. The next winter on the first cold day she pulled out her heavy coat and when she reached into the pocket, guess what was there…
FTE Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Florida
When I buy a new Ford I usually negotiate to have the dealer program 2 and cut keys on additional OEM FOBS which I purchase online.
Last time I forgot to bring it up at the sale and the sales rep had one of the techs program 2 FOBS and cut the keys for $100 CASH.
If I self program the FOB, dealer's have charged anywhere from $0 to $10 to cut a hard key on the new FOB.
I now have have dozens of extra FOBS for trucks I no longer own.
Last time I forgot to bring it up at the sale and the sales rep had one of the techs program 2 FOBS and cut the keys for $100 CASH.
If I self program the FOB, dealer's have charged anywhere from $0 to $10 to cut a hard key on the new FOB.
I now have have dozens of extra FOBS for trucks I no longer own.
Last edited by Flyct; Yesterday at 09:24 PM.
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